and i feel the same way about Sam. If it cannot be Bilbo because of Sir Ian, it should be Sam's telling of the story to his kids. The time framing would feel much better as you say.

In one sense it does pulls on the heart that Frodo did after all traveled west across the sea and it would have been comforting to have him contribute such history to the shirefolk old and new. But it would have been very endearing to have Sam with all his children around him, even later in life. Perhaps they are using Frodo/Elijah because he is prettier lol.

Your Gandalf idea makes just as much sense. ''Sam put his ragged orc-cloak under his master's head, and covered them both with the grey robe of Lorien; and as he did so his thoughts went out to that fair land, and to the Elves, and he hoped that the cloth woven by their hands might have some virtue to keep them hidden beyond all hope in this wilderness of fear...But their luck held, and for the rest of that day they met no living or moving thing; and when night fell they vanished into the darkess of Mordor.'' - - -rotk, chapter III

May the grace of Manwë let us soar with eagle's wings! In the air, among the clouds in the sky Here is where the birds of Manwe fly Looking at the land, and the water that flows The true beauty of earth shows With the stars of Varda lighting my way In all the realms this is where I stay In the realm of Manwë Súlimo